May 02, 2008

In the midst of difficulty

"In the midst of difficulty lies opportunity" -Albert Einstein.

There is a lot of doom & gloom talk about our economy these days. I think it’s a bunch of garbage and we’re seeing a correction not a recession. Nevertheless if you spend all your time listening to these dire predictions, you'll soon convince yourself that it's the wrong time to finally act on that entrepreneurial urge that's been steadily growing inside you. Don't fall for it!

Sure, the economy may not be heading in the direction we'd all like it to, but as Albert pointed out- this may just be a better time than ever to start your venture.

Back in 1929, right after the stock market crash, a lady named Margaret Rudkin was not only in the midst of challenging financial times, but she was caring for a son who suffered from severe allergies and asthma. To treat him, she needed a healthy, non-processed, organic bread that would not trigger his respiratory problems. So, she started baking her own bread and started a little company called Pepperidge Farm. Her story is a great example of someone who overcame not one, but two obstacles and in doing so, wound up building an institution that is still going strong 80 years later.

Starting a company is more and more the way young people are beginning their careers, and that trend is nowhere near stopping. Today's business climate and the incredible tools provided by the internet give you infinitely better odds of succeeding than someone striking out on their own in Margaret's time, so don't let the scary predictions hold you back. Your time is now.

Nevertheless if you spend all your time listening to these dire predictions, you'll soon convince yourself that it's the wrong time to finally act on that entrepreneurial urge that's been steadily growing inside you. Don't fall for it!